Viktor Gyokeres’ first competitive start for Arsenal at Old Trafford offered a stark reminder that even high-profile signings need time to adapt. The £64million summer addition registered just 21 touches, completed four passes, and failed to register a single shot during his hour on the pitch. While Arsenal still secured a 1-0 win thanks to Riccardo Calafiori’s header, Gyokeres’ debut illustrated the adjustment required for both player and team.
00:00Fitzi Okresi's first competitive start for Arsenal at Old Trafford offered a stark reminder that even high-profile signings need time to adapt.
00:12The £64m summer edition registered just 21 touches and failed to register a single shot during his hour on the pitch.
00:21While Arsenal still secured a 1-0 win thanks to Ricardo Calafiore's header, Okresi's debut illustrated the adjustment required for both player and team.
00:31Arsenal have long sought a striker with Okresi's instincts to run in behind defences, but Mikel Arteta's system prioritises structure and control over risk and individual initiative.
00:43Okresi's first half display resembled, in Arteta's word, a basketball match as they attempted to move forward with purpose but struggled with execution.
00:53Okresi's runs were frequently ignored with teammates opting for safer passes limiting his opportunities.
01:00Arteta acknowledged we didn't manage to put the ball through to exploit his quality.
01:05The Swedes' second half drift wide ended in a misstep, but his physical presence was evident.
01:12Standing tall and strong, Okresi repeatedly overpowered defenders, including Mateus De Ligt, twice sent tumbling in shoulder-to-shoulder battles.
01:22However, adapting to Arsenal's pressing demands remains key.
01:26Arteta highlighted the need for sharper timing in high-pressure situations, noting that Okresi took a bit too much time in transitions.
01:35His tendency to drop deep limits his impact on counters as seen when Odegaard drove forward, while Okresi jogged 30 yards behind and able to offer a passing option.
01:45Okresi is not a link-up striker like Kai Havertz, but if Arsenal adjusts to exploit his strengths, advanced positioning, physicality and attacking instincts, he could transform their counter-attacking threat.
01:59His debut may not have been the best watch statistically, yet the tools are evident, and with tactical tweaks and increased service, Okresi has the potential to become a pivotal figure for the Gunners this season.
02:13You know Kresi has a new rule.
02:15It is a new tool for the Gunners this season.
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